The Lenovo Smart Display 10 offers a larger 10-inch screen and solid build quality with bamboo backing compared to Google's Nest Hub, according to reviewers. While it supports both landscape and vertical orientations and features simple setup, it lacks ambient color temperature sensing that helps screens look correct in varying lighting. CNET called it one of the best smart displays, though YouTube reviewers noted it doesn't offer significant differentiation from Google's own offerings. It's best suited for those wanting a larger display with good build quality but may not appeal to users seeking advanced lighting adaptation features.
Full review
Design and Build Quality
Lenovo Smart Display 10 distinguishes itself through a design that sits comfortably between functional and aesthetically pleasing. Unlike Amazon's Echo Show with its angular, industrial appearance, the Lenovo model adopts a more rounded, white aesthetic with a bamboo back panel that evokes a premium feel. According to Stacey on IoT, the device's form factor is reminiscent of Ikea furniture, which may be either a compliment or a criticism depending on one's perspective on that brand. The unit stands on a base with three contact points that give it a slimmer profile, and it includes gum pads on the left side to allow for portrait mode usage, particularly useful for video calls. The build quality, as noted by Ubergizmo, is sturdy and well-sealed, even featuring a surprisingly well-sealed power connector that resists splashes. The 10-inch screen is mounted in a way that allows for both horizontal and vertical orientations, though software support for portrait mode remains limited.
The physical camera shutter, a notable privacy feature, is positioned near the top-right corner of the screen and can be slid to cover the 5-megapixel 720p camera. This is a welcome addition for privacy-conscious users, as highlighted by PCMag's Will Greenwald. The device's 10-inch Full HD display measures 1920x1200 pixels and has a brightness of 480 NITS, which PCMag found to be more than adequate for most environments. The screen's readability is further enhanced by auto-brightness adjustment, which adapts to ambient lighting conditions. The overall design, according to Pickr's Leigh, is one of the best-looking among Google-based smart displays, with a design that feels more like home furniture than a typical tech gadget.
Display and Visual Performance
The 10-inch Full HD display of the Lenovo Smart Display 10 is a standout feature, offering a resolution of 1920x1200 pixels and a brightness level of 480 NITS. This screen size and resolution provide a significant advantage over competitors like the Amazon Echo Show, which features a 7-inch display. Ubergizmo emphasized that 'a larger screen is a massive advantage' for visual content consumption, particularly for entertainment and smart home control. The display's viewing angles are excellent, and it remains readable even under direct sunlight or near bright windows. PCMag's Will Greenwald noted that the screen's brightness is on par with modern laptops, making it suitable for various lighting conditions. The screen's auto-brightness adjustment helps maintain optimal visibility throughout the day, and in a bedroom setting, the screen dims sufficiently to avoid distraction without completely shutting down.
The visual experience is enhanced by the device's ability to display contextual content such as weather forecasts, schedules, and directions. The screen also supports live streaming from compatible smart home devices like the Nest Hello doorbell, although there is a six-second delay before the stream begins. The touchscreen interface is responsive and intuitive, allowing users to navigate content with ease. The display's ability to show album art, video playback controls, and smart home status updates makes it a versatile tool for daily use. The screen's performance in terms of color accuracy and contrast is consistent with typical smart display expectations, though it does not offer the high-end visual fidelity of dedicated tablets or monitors.
Audio Performance
The audio capabilities of the Lenovo Smart Display 10 are centered around two 10-watt full-range speakers and two passive tweeters. While the speakers are louder and more powerful than those found in Google Home Minis, they lack the deep bass response that some users might expect. PCMag's Will Greenwald noted that the sound quality is decent, though it lacks 'body' or 'volume' compared to premium smart speakers like the Apple HomePod or Sonos One. The speakers are capable of producing clear mid and high frequencies, but the low-end response is somewhat underwhelming. At maximum volume, there is some distortion, though at moderate volumes, the audio quality remains acceptable. The two microphone arrays ensure clear voice capture, which is essential for the Google Assistant's functionality.
The speaker setup provides a noticeable improvement over Google Home's audio capabilities, particularly in terms of volume and clarity. However, the lack of bass is a recurring complaint across multiple reviews. Pickr's Leigh noted that the bass could be improved, and Ubergizmo's Hubert Nguyen also mentioned that the speakers, while loud, do not deliver the depth one might expect from a device in this price range. The overall audio experience is sufficient for voice commands, music playback, and video calls, but audiophiles or those seeking premium sound quality may find the device lacking in this department.
Smart Home Integration
The Lenovo Smart Display 10 excels in smart home integration, leveraging the Google Assistant platform to provide seamless control over connected devices. Users can control smart lights, thermostats, and other compatible devices through voice commands, with visual feedback appearing on the screen to allow for fine-tuning. For example, after commanding the assistant to turn on a light, the brightness level appears on the display, allowing users to adjust it manually. This visual feedback is a significant advantage over purely voice-controlled smart home hubs. The device also displays contextual information such as weather forecasts, calendar events, and directions, which are automatically sent to the user's phone for further action.
The integration with Google's ecosystem is robust, allowing users to link their Google Photos for dynamic backgrounds, set up screen savers, and access a wide range of content through voice commands. The device supports Chromecast functionality, enabling users to cast content from their smartphones or tablets directly to the display. This feature is particularly useful for watching YouTube TV or other streaming services. The touchscreen interface also allows for direct manipulation of smart home controls, providing a more interactive experience than traditional smart speakers. The device's ability to display live streams from compatible smart home cameras, such as the Nest Hello, adds another layer of functionality to its smart home capabilities.
Software and User Experience
The Lenovo Smart Display 10 runs on Android Things, a platform that ensures consistent software updates and a streamlined user experience. The Google Assistant integration is seamless, allowing users to perform tasks such as playing music, checking the weather, and controlling smart home devices through voice commands. The touchscreen interface complements the voice commands, providing a more interactive experience. However, the device's software can sometimes be overly sensitive to voice triggers, causing it to shut off unexpectedly, as noted by Pickr's Leigh. This issue requires users to be mindful of their speech patterns and can be somewhat frustrating during use.
The device's software is designed to be user-friendly, with a clean interface that displays relevant information based on user queries. The screen displays detailed icons for weather queries, a listing of the user's schedule, and even directions, which are automatically sent to the phone. The touchscreen is responsive and intuitive, allowing users to navigate content with ease. The device also supports Google Duo video calls, which work well when the display is positioned in portrait mode. The overall user experience is positive, with the device performing well in most scenarios, though minor software quirks can occasionally disrupt the flow of interaction.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the Lenovo Smart Display 10 has several notable drawbacks. The power cable is too short, limiting placement options and making it difficult to use on bookshelves or in larger rooms. This issue was highlighted by both Pickr and Ubergizmo, with Pickr noting that the cable is 'one of the issues we take aim with.' The lack of bass in the audio system is another significant shortcoming, as noted by multiple reviewers including PCMag's Will Greenwald and Pickr's Leigh. The speakers, while louder than those in Google Home Minis, do not deliver the depth expected from a device in this price range. Additionally, the device's software can be overly sensitive to voice triggers, sometimes shutting off unexpectedly, which can be frustrating for users.
The device's performance in certain scenarios also falls short of expectations. While the touchscreen is responsive, it can be challenging to navigate complex menus or perform detailed tasks. The lack of direct Netflix playback and the limited support for portrait mode are additional drawbacks. The device's camera, while privacy-conscious with a physical shutter, is only 5 megapixels, which is lower than what one might expect from a smart display. The overall experience, while generally positive, is hindered by these minor but noticeable issues that can detract from the user experience. These limitations make the device less appealing to users who prioritize audio quality, software stability, or specific feature sets.
Who It's Best For
The Lenovo Smart Display 10 is best suited for users who value a balance of smart home control, visual entertainment, and voice assistant capabilities. It is ideal for individuals who want a device that can serve as a central hub for smart home management, with the added benefit of a large, high-quality display for visual content consumption. The device is particularly appealing to users who enjoy YouTube, Google Duo video calls, and smart home integration. Those who appreciate a more aesthetic design and are looking for a device that blends seamlessly into their home environment will find the Lenovo Smart Display 10 to be a strong fit. The device's ability to display contextual information and smart home status updates makes it a valuable addition to any modern home.
However, the device may not be ideal for users who prioritize audio quality or those who require a device with extensive software customization. The lack of bass and the overly sensitive voice triggers are significant drawbacks for users who demand premium sound or a more stable software experience. Additionally, the short power cable and limited support for portrait mode may be problematic for users with specific placement needs or those who frequently use video calls in vertical orientation. The device is also not recommended for users who are heavily invested in Amazon's ecosystem, as the Lenovo Smart Display 10 is designed to work primarily with Google's platform. Shoppers who need a versatile smart home hub with a large display and solid voice assistant capabilities will find this a strong fit; those who care more about audio quality or specific software features should look elsewhere.
Strengths
- +Solid build quality with bamboo wood backing
- +Larger 10-inch display compared to Google Nest Hub
- +Simple setup process similar to other Google Assistant devices
- +Supports both landscape and vertical orientations for video calling
Watch-outs
- −No ambient color temperature sensor like Google Nest Hub
- −Screen appears more blue under warmer lighting conditions
- −Limited feature differentiation from Google's own smart displays
How it compares
The Lenovo Smart Display 10 provides a larger 10-inch screen than the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) and includes bamboo construction, unlike the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) which features a spheroid design with stereo speakers. It's more affordable than the Google Nest Hub Max but lacks the advanced gesture controls and sleep tracking features found in the Nest Hub (3rd Gen).
Who this is for
At a glance: users wanting large display with solid build.
Why you’d buy the Lenovo Smart Display 10
- Solid build quality with bamboo wood backing.
- Larger 10-inch display compared to Google Nest Hub.
- Simple setup process similar to other Google Assistant devices.
Why you’d skip it
- No ambient color temperature sensor like Google Nest Hub.
- Screen appears more blue under warmer lighting conditions.
- Limited feature differentiation from Google's own smart displays.
Rating sources
Our 4.3 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
